Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If there’s one dessert that guarantees oohs and aahs with every slice, it’s this Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. Imagine two moist, golden layers—rich with a whisper of vanilla and tangy sour cream—smothered in the dreamiest, satiny frosting, where classic cream cheese gets a playful upgrade thanks to cinnamon. This cake feels right at home at birthday parties, cozy brunches, or on a crisp autumn afternoon with a mug of coffee. You might just find yourself sneaking back for seconds (or thirds), and honestly, who could blame you?

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this cake lies in its collection of straightforward but essential ingredients. Each one brings something special—whether it’s flavor, texture, or that signature hint of warm spice. Gather these, and you’ll be well on your way to baking up a Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting that everyone will rave about!

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for a sturdy yet soft crumb, perfect for holding up luscious layers of frosting.
• Baking powder: Adds lift and lightness, ensuring each bite is fluffy and tender.
• Baking soda: Works alongside the sour cream to create extra airiness and the ideal rise.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances every other flavor, balancing sweetness and bringing complexity.
• Unsalted butter (for cake and frosting): For rich flavor and that melt-in-your-mouth texture—be sure it’s softened for effortless mixing.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly, helping achieve that golden crust.
• Large eggs: Add structure and beautiful richness, giving your cake a velvety smoothness.
• Vanilla extract (for cake and frosting): For deep background notes that round out both cake and frosting.
• Whole milk: Promotes a delicate crumb and moisture, making every forkful feel indulgent.
• Sour cream: The secret to this cake’s tender, plush interior with just a touch of tang.
• Cream cheese: A creamy, slightly tangy base for the frosting, elevated with a whisper of spice.
• Powdered sugar: Gives the frosting superbly smooth, spreadable sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon: The star of the frosting, infusing warmth and subtle spice in every swoosh.
• Milk (for frosting): Adds silkiness to the frosting and helps reach that just-right, spreadable consistency.

How to Make Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep the Pans and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and greasing two 9-inch round cake pans generously. You can also line the bottoms with parchment circles for extra guarantee your cakes come out perfectly. This small effort at the start pays off big when it’s time to assemble!

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking is key here—it aerates the mix and ensures the leaveners and salt are distributed evenly throughout the flour.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes and sets the foundation for a light, tender crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate and create a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract for that irresistible aroma and depth of flavor.

Step 5: Mix in the Sour Cream

Now, gently mix in the sour cream. This ingredient is your hidden weapon—it locks in moisture and lends a subtle tang that balances the cake’s sweetness.

Step 6: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk

With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry mix. This careful process keeps the batter silky smooth and helps achieve an even rise.

Step 7: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Trust your nose—the kitchen should smell like pure cake heaven by now!

Step 8: Cool Completely

Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool fully. Patience is worth it here, as a cool cake means your frosting won’t melt or slip.

Step 9: Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Add the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract, mixing on low at first. Once combined, switch to high speed and whip until the frosting is light and fluffy. If needed, drizzle in milk, just a little at a time, to reach your ideal consistency.

Step 10: Assemble and Frost

Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread with a generous scoop of frosting. Gently top with the second cake layer, then coat the top and sides in a luxurious blanket of frosting. For bonus flavor, try sprinkling cinnamon sugar between the layers before stacking. Voila—your Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is ready to shine!

How to Serve Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

A few thoughtful garnishes can make your Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting look bakery-beautiful. Try a dusting of extra cinnamon across the top, scatter on some candied pecans, or arrange delicate curls of white chocolate for an elegant, festive touch. Fresh berries also add both brightness and color—especially if you’re serving for a special occasion.

Side Dishes

This cake stands tall on its own, but you can round out your dessert table with small bowls of spiced poached pears, tangy lemon sorbet, or a fresh fruit salad. For a coffee break, nothing beats pairing it with a frothy cappuccino or a steaming mug of chai—the warming spices complement the cinnamon-kissed frosting beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting doesn’t have to be plain! Slice it into tall, generous wedges and stack them onto a dramatic platter, or cut smaller pieces for a dessert buffet. You could also bake the cake as cupcakes or a sheet cake for easy sharing at casual gatherings. Decorate with edible flowers or sugared cranberries for a pop of color that wows every guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (it’s rare!), simply cover the cake tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. The frosting actually develops even more flavor overnight, and the cake stays moist thanks to the sour cream and rich butter. A quick trip to room temperature before serving brings out the best texture.

Freezing

The layers of this cake freeze beautifully. Wrap the unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting. You can also freeze slices of frosted Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting; just be sure each piece is well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating

Enjoying your cake chilled is delicious, but if you prefer it slightly warmed, pop a slice (without frosting, ideally) into the microwave for just 10-12 seconds. This little trick revives the cake’s fresh-baked softness—just don’t overdo it, or the frosting might melt away!

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day ahead and keep them tightly wrapped at room temperature or chilled. The frosting keeps well in the fridge, too. Assemble everything the day you plan to serve for the freshest results.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese or butter for the frosting?

You can use lower-fat options, but for the invention of this Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting, full-fat ingredients offer the best flavor and texture. Lower-fat versions may result in a softer, less stable frosting.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

If you’re out of sour cream, plain Greek yogurt makes a great substitute. It keeps the cake tender and offers a similar tangy richness—just be sure to use full-fat yogurt for the best crumb.

How do I prevent my frosting from being runny?

Make sure the cream cheese and butter are just softened, not melted. Start with less milk, adding only if necessary. If your frosting still feels thin, mix in more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it thickens up to your liking.

Can I turn this cake into cupcakes?

Yes, the batter makes wonderful cupcakes! Fill lined cupcake pans about two-thirds full and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Adjust frosting time as needed, and you’ll have adorable, individual Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting treats.

Final Thoughts

This is one of those bakes that truly feels like a celebration in cake form. Whether you’re capping off a big family meal or just want to spoil yourself, Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting checks every box: moist, flavorful, simple, and irresistibly frosted. Why wait for a special occasion? Dive in, share with friends, and don’t forget to snag an extra slice—you deserve it!

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